May I add: The purpose of a tax-supported county agency does not seem to be understood. Nor the contribution of the LDS microfilming records and efforts of volunteers indexing records for the past 10+ years. On the shelves are indexes of births, deaths, naturalizations which are the works of volunteers. Of course, there are many more volumes to be indexed; but slowly the genealogical community is doing what it can. I think it should be explained that Cuyahoga County is a large metropolitan area and the Archives houses important documents for the Welfare, Criminal Justice, roads, real estate, dog warden, etc. That for genealogy purposes, it is only a small part of their concerns. Secondly, the original records are in such fragile condition, that to allow the public to peruse would be detrimental. That is why we are in debt to the LDS for microfilming. These records are available on very good machines on the ground floor of the archives. Some of which have been purchased with Cuyahoga County tax funds and another contributed in the name of a faithful volunteer. Also, one member is on a well- deserved vacation. There has been an increase in staff over the years, and they are loyal, enthusiastic workers. The genealogical community is very proud of the Archives and the director gives of her own time to the community in presentations and lectures whenever asked. Ingrid Abram Unless things have changed, I was very frustrated at the archives. You can't go get things yourself. There was one worker and a volunteer from a local genie society. They go get stuff and you wait for it, no matter how long it takes. You can look through city directories and some books while you are waiting, but I had limited time. Personally, I would recommend Fairview Park Library. If things have changed at the archives, I would appreciate knowing that! They needed more help over there. Would someone more knowledgeable let us know. Carole Lubbers, Marietta, Ga. researching Willard: Tuscarawas, Stark, Summit, Portage & Henry Counties, Ohio Immel: Burlaswagen, Germany to Holmes Co., Ohio Thomas G. Kemp: Cornwall, Engl. to Dover, Tuscarawas Co., Ohio Paczkowski/Paszkowski/Patzkowski: Prussia to Russia to Marion Co., Kansas Ruth Lloyd b. 1848 Merioneth Co., Wales, Father was John Lloyd b. 1816 Gwyddelwern Joseph Roberts b. 1847 husband of Ruth, can't locate anything for Joseph Dennis Hogan b. 1850 Ireland to Cleveland, Ohio abt. 1870 Mary Ellen Gleason b. 1852 Ireland to Cleveland, wife of Dennis Hogan - > [email protected] writes: > > << Unless things have changed, I was very frustrated at the archives. You > can't go get things yourself. There was one worker and a volunteer from a > local genie society. They go get stuff and you wait for it, no matter how > long it takes. You can look through city directories and some books while > you are waiting, but I had limited time. Personally, I would recommend > Fairview Park Library. >> > > I do research at both places & would still recommend the Archives for someone > who had limited time. No, things will not change regarding Archives staff. > You must be patient. Also, there is much to find on the many microfiche of > marriages & probate records, microfilms of the newspaper necrology files, > naturalization records, and, of course, my old standby, City Directories. > For someone with limited time, it is best to at least obtain lots of basic > info. You could always write to the Archives later & ask for a copy of the > original record. > > It's hard to explain how I do research at the Archives but there is a lot of > information to be found while waiting for staff or volunteer to bring you > records. Hope you have a better experience the next time you come to > Cleveland. > > As to Fairview Library, they only have one person, Lisa Davison, who handles > Genealogy. And unless you come very well prepared you will spin your wheels > and find nothing. Also, microfilm readers might all be in use the day & time > you arrive, so you must be prepared for that. > > Carolyn >